I wanted to share this BIG news with you all because I’m embarking on a path that many of you are most likely starting on as well. That path and questions is, “what am I going to do in the next phase of my life” or better said, “what career am I passionate, inspired and driven to do in this next phase of my life?”

I’ve been toying all summer with the question of what’s next career wise for me? What do Ireally want to do with my life going forward? What am I passionate about? What brings me joy? What could I do to support my family that’s going to pay the bills, but yet invigorate me, bring me joy and get me excited to leap out of the bed each morning? Hey, I need something more than just steel-cut oats and coffee to get me going 😉

I didn’t want to go out into the workforce and get a job just to get a job. I wanted something more than a just a job, I wanted a career! So, I got quiet each day, listened to my heart and jotted down all of the things that I enjoy doing. What became clear to me is that I LOVE cooking, I LOVE food, I LOVE creating and sharing and I LOVE learning (ok as you can see there’s a lot of love there). It was then that I stumbled on Bauman’s website. I clicked on the Natural Chef Program and I got all excited and giddy inside. I said to myself, “I WANT TO DO THIS!” The big question was, could I do this? Could I afford to take 6 months and go back to school? My head was saying “NO,” but my heart was saying “YES!” I sat the kids down the next day and told them what I was thinking of doing. They saw my excitement and my enthusiasm and told me to GO FOR IT! They understood that we would have to cut back and budget, but they didn’t care, they were proud that I was going after my dream, and they were genuinely excited for that! I want to share with you all a poem that Eli wrote in his own words, and had framed for me for my 45th birthday. These are his words, and this is what gave me the final push to just go for it…

I love this poem, because I love what I’m teaching my kids. I’m teaching my kids that it’s never too late to go after your dreams, or to change careers. I’m teaching my kids to follow their hearts and do what they love, to take risks and fully experience all that life has to offer. I have to admit that at this moment in my life, I’m truly happy, and I’m extremely grateful for all that I have. I have and feel more love and joy in my life than I’ve ever felt before, and I’m ecstatic that my kids can see that joy and feel that love, and I want the same for them! I want them to grow up knowing that it’s never too late to go back to school, it’s never too late to learn something new, it’s never too late to follow your dreams, and that risks are worth taking because life is meant to be lived. We’re the role model for our kids, and if we show them how to fully experience life, then they will fully experience life. We need to do more than just talk the talk, we need to walk the walk.

I’m excited for Bauman for so many reasons. This Natural Chef program speaks to me, as it’s all about working with fresh, seasonal, organic, unprocessed, and local foods. It’s all about cooking for optimal health, and I’m excited for that! I want to fully understand the science behind cooking, and what ingredients and foods are best for optimal heath. This is really cool stuff to me, I mean I geek out with this sort of stuff. Cooking school will give me the confidence I need to go out there and teach, cook and create. I also want to share and pass on all of my knowledge to you guys, my readers and friends. Hey, as I said earlier, I love sharing, and I love sharing with all of you, that makes me happy inside, it truly does.

So this is just the start, this is only the beginning, and I’m not sure what and where this is all going to lead to. I’m taking a leap of faith and trusting that going to cooking school is the best thing for me, and the best thing for my career. I trust that doors are going to open, and a career will be created. I’m taking that first initial step, because the first step is all we need to take, and it’s really the hardest step, but once we take that initial step, each step going forward will get easier and the path will get clearer, this I believe!

I already have lots of ideas of what I can do during and after I finish this program, because the reality is I’m going to have to keep working in some capacity as I go to school. I know for sure that I want to teach! I want to teach teens, novice cooks and parents how to cook, cook for health, and cook for fun! Hey, maybe someday I’ll have my own cooking school/cafe and offer catering. I’m dreaming big here peeps! I’m also thinking in the meantime of offering in-home private cooking lessons, pantry and kitchen organization, catering small parties. Those are just some of the ideas I have.

So this is the first post of my journey. I’m thinking of writing a weekly post sharing my journey with you all. I know there are so many of you out there that are going through the same life/career transition, and maybe by sharing my journey with you, it will help you to make that first step.

Oh, I’ve also started another Instagram account in addition to my Marinmamacooks account, called Marinmamaliving. Marin mama living will be more of a lifestyle account that will capture more of my daily life and my cooking school journey, so if you’re interested, follow along with that account as well 🙂

Thanks Clinton! I had my first class today and I’m just elated! I learned so much in one day and I can’t believe that I get to do this for another 6 months. I can’t wait to share all the nutritional facts I learn and all of the recipes with you all! xoxo, Jacquelyn

First, Jackie please do not feel that you need to reply to my post!! I just wanted to tell you that I recently made the decision to go back to school myself. So, when I read your post I got tears in my eyes because I could so relate to the passion versus raising a family dilemma. I’m just thrilled to hear that you were able to realize following your passion is a part of raising a family. We are raising these kids with the intention of them finding their own contentment and happiness in life, and we ARE their models. To take risks in life is the greatest modeling I can think of!! I realize and now know it’s not an easy path but it’s the right path for those of us wanting to explore as you said, “this next phase” in our lives. Congratulations!! I’ll probably see in the library over the next couple of years!!
🙂 Larissa

Hi Larissa! First off, I just have to reply to your comment because it tugged at my heart. You said it all perfectly in your comment. I have to share with you Zoe’s text to me today while I was at school: ” Mom, hope school is super awesome today!!! I’m so proud of everything you do! Love you!” I got that text and teared up because this is my daughter that sounds like a mother! You’re absolutely right that we’re our kid’s role models and by us following our dreams and taking risks, we’re teaching them to take risks and follow their dreams. Simply put, but very profound! I told Zoe on the way home from school that I want her to go to college and study something that makes her as excited as this natural chef program is making me feel. I’m so proud that you’re taking that risk and going back to school and setting such an amazing example to your children. We’re teaching our kids another valuable lesson, and that is that it’s never too late to go back to school and it’s never too late to learn! Best of luck to you and I can’t wait to hear more. You rock! xoxo, Jacquelyn

I’m so excited for you because this is totally in your wheelhouse!! I went to SF Cooking School and even though my goal was not to work in the industry, the experience was AMAZING. Holistic + Culinary = WOW! I’m excited for you!

Hi Ann! Thanks so much for your support! I know, I feel so blessed and I just wanted to pinch myself all day while at school. I already acquired so much knowledge in one day, can you believe it? I thought I knew a lot, but there’s SO much to learn. This is the cooking school of my dreams and I’m so excited to go back tomorrow! Happy to hear from another culinary graduate. Hey, maybe when I launch whatever it is I end up doing, you can come work with me 🙂 Have a blissful week! xoxo, Jacquelyn

Congratulations Jacquelyn! I am so happy you found such a great opportunity and are going to go for it. That story from Eli is TOO SWEET! Good luck on your first week– I know it will be awesome! Cynthia

Hi Cynthia! Thanks so much sweetie. You embarked on an adventure by going abroad to live out your dreams, and I’m starting local and heading over the bridge each day to live out mine. Pretty amazing for both of us. Thanks for the support sweetie! 🙂 xoxo, Jacquelyn

Jackie,
Months ago, I sent a comment to you regarding your devotion to family and healthy eating. At the time, I simply stated you were changing the world one recipe,one child at a time.
Your dreams will come true!!!
Linda

Awww… Thanks so much Linda for your support and kind and inspiring words! I totally remember your sweet comment! You’re absolutely right that it all begins with one child and one person to make a difference. Love that! It starts small and then grows into something BIG! xoxo, Jacquelyn

Wow! This is so incredibly exciting..you are about to start the equivalent of medical school for foodies Jacqueline, you are going to help save lives! I just watched Jamie Oliver’s doco on sugar and was appalled at the effect poor nutrition is having on children, let alone adults.

Good for you on setting such a wonderful example for your children, and your readers.

Wow! What an amazingly sweet comment Linda! I love how you phrased it, and I might have to steal your words and put them in this post or a future post, as what you said about Bauman being a medical school for foodies is exactly what I’ve been trying to convey! Perfectly said Linda! I’m so excited for this opportunity and for this experience, and I can’t wait to share all of my knowledge with you all! Thanks for your support and awesome comment Linda! xoxo, Jacquelyn

Super excited for you! I went to Bauman in Berkeley in 2009 for their Nutrition Educator certification program (they no longer offer it). I had been laid off from my job and took the advantage of the time I had off to better educate myself in nutrition – it was great. You will learn so much! You are already an amazing chef, you will only benefit from it (and so will all of your followers). All the best to you!

Hi Dominique! So cool that you went to Bauman years ago, small world right? They do have a nutrition program there that I may tackle after this one, but I need to get through this one first and then get a rocking job! 🙂 I guess I’m doing what you did, expanding myself and my career while I have the time! I feel gifted for this opportunity and this experience! Thanks so much for your support and positive words! I can’t wait to share all that I learn with you all! xoxo, Jacquelyn 🙂

Good for you! Look forward to the Marin Mama Café opening soon! There is guy who has a catering business by us in So. Cal that has different themed cooking classes that my wife and I enjoy taking. We would love to take class from Chef Jacquelyn!

Hi Ed! Awww… I would love to teach a class to you and your wife. I’ll keep you posted if and when I find a place to host my classes 🙂 Thanks so much for your positive comment and support! It really means a lot to hear from readers near and far! 🙂 xoxo, Jacquelyn

WOW! Great! You are a real inspiration to me. You are following your bliss…I wish I had done that at your age. I know it takes a lot of courage. Hmmm… Making me think maybe it isn’t too late for me! Will be looking forward to following your exciting new journey. Best wishes!

Thanks so much for your super sweet comment! Yes, I’m following my bliss and it’s funny you say that because that use to be one of my key phrases, “follow your bliss.” Anyway, I do believe that it’s never too early, or too late to follow your dreams and passions. I do believe that if we do what we love and follow our hearts, we will live longer and happier lives! Simple! Thanks again for your sweet comment 🙂 xoxo, Jacquelyn

I am so happy for you!! I was so moved by your letter and Eli’s words too. This sounds like the perfect path for you and I’d love for you to teach my teen to cook. Congratulations! And yes, you do have a sweet, sweet heart.

Awww… Thanks so much Jill. You’ve been such such a cheerleader with my on my journey, and I want you to know that I love and appreciate it! You rock, literally as you’re a rock star! You actually taught me that diet does change health through what you fed London, and I will always remember that! I will gladly teach London how to cook 😉 xoxo, Jacquelyn

You go girl! I totally get where you are at in life. I look forward to reading your future posts and learning from you. I am a breast cancer survivor and love your healthy recipes. I know it is so important for me and to teach my three kids.

Hi Jamee! Congratulations on being a survivor, and I wish you 100% health going forward. Thanks so much for your sweet comment and support, it truly means a lot to me. I’m also taking this course, as I’ve had friends and family who have survived and are beating cancer, and I want to learn what foods are best for not only fighting cancer and disease, but how to maintain optimal health going forward. There’s so much out there on the internet, some true, some not true, so I want to get in a classroom and learn the latest and most accurate information. I’m excited that you’re excited for the journey and for the all the healthy recipes I will be creating. Again, thanks for your support and readership! Sending you all the best! xoxo, Jacquelyn